Out Of Sight Wave-Power Design For Ireland

A site development and conceptual design has been completed for a proposed wave energy project off the west coast of Ireland. Carnegie Wave Energy is proposing a 5-megawatt (MW) demonstration project that could lead to a full-fledged 500-MW capacity ocean energy project using their own proprietary design.

Named after a Greek sea goddess, the Ceto wave power converter is said to be unlike any other wave power system currently being developed. The system is anchored to the ocean floor and uses submerged buoys tethered to pump units. The buoys, moving with the ocean, drive the pumps, which pressurizes water delivered onshore through a pipeline. The high pressure water drives hydroelectric turbines, generating zero-emission electricty.

image via Carnegie Wave

An additional features of the Ceto system is that it delivers desalinated water. The system is said to have no impact on marina life and is submerged deep so it is out of the way of poular surf breaks.

The study of Ceto project found two promising sites for a commerical project off the coast of Ireland. Backers said that existing Irish energy incentivess, a 500-MW ocean energy target and grant support were all viable to make the project a reality. Carnegie said it will work with the Irish government and key stakeholders to continue progress on the project.

EarthTechling is launching a weekly green deals service in fall 2011 called Green Earthling Deals.Sign up for the weekly emailby Wednesday, August 17, and you’ll be entered to win a 1st Step Weather Station from Urban Green Energy!

Kristy Hessman is a writer and native Oregonian who currently resides in California. Before starting her own company, she worked as a reporter covering business and politics for daily newspapers and The Associated Press.